La Belle Vie

Doesn't Recommend

pastry007

Joined 6 years ago

Don't waste your money!. I went last summer with a group of six for a special occasion, after seeing so much press for the restaurant, the food, the service, etc. I have never felt the need to write a review before this, but I don't think I have ever been so disappointed in a dining experience! The food was mediocre, the service was condescending, especially to our guests, and the restaurant was incredibly loud. We were seated at a round table and could barely hear each other. Coming from a dessert background, I was especially looking forward to the desserts, and I ordered the white peach sampler. The flavors were bland and the textures were off, and I ended up not even finishing the dessert. The only highlight of the meal was the day boat halibut, but was not worth the $600 dollars we spent. If you are looking for a great restaurant with friendly, helpful service, and innovative food, try Cafe Lurcat or Restaurant Alma.

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tjohn61604

Joined 6 years ago

The best.... What can I say? La Belle Vie has just gotten better over the years. The restaurant started in that charming Stillwater location with its unique identity in both food and service. Now with the move to Minneapolis, it has definitely grown and matured into an exquisite dining experience. My husband and I just went there for our 25th anniversary and were pleasantly, though not surprisingly, pleased with the food, service, and ambiance. After years of travel and dining at a lot of wonderful eateries, we will always come back to La Belle Vie.

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slyholmes

Joined 6 years ago

Great service, very average food. Expected much more for the money we paid.. My husband and I went to La Belle Vie for my 30th birthday. At Christmas we went to Vincent and were tempted to return (it was excellent) but we had heard good things about La Belle Vie.

What a disappointment. The first thing that struck us was the lack of atmosphere - the dining room had the feel of a business hotel conference room, no ambience at all. There was a problem with the heating and the space was absolutely freezing. I kept my coat on and was uncomfortable all evening.

We had the taster menu - the food was good but nothing special (particularly when compared to Vincent's). This was one of the very few times that I have left a restaurant and still been a little hungry. The taster portion sizes were barely a mouthful each.

On a positive note, the service was exceptional and the wines paired with the food were exquisite (and generously poured). But we shall not return, and will go back to Vincent the next time we want to treat ourselves.

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notfrommn

Joined 7 years ago

Wonderful Service, delightful food. To celebrate our anniversary my husband and I wanted to do something special and La Belle Vie lived up to what we wanted. The lady that was our waiteress was very professional and treated with the utmost respect. We had the five course preset menu accompanied by the wine. Each course was delicious. When I mentioned that I was not a pig pork fan the waitress was quick to find me an alternative.

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smithbrown

Joined 7 years ago

Everything Lovely. My husband and I were there recently. The food was amazing and the wait staff impeccable. We enjoyed it very much.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

This classy spot in the 510 residence building is the perfect setting for Chef Tim McKee's intricate French Mediterranean offerings.. In Short
High ceilings, crystal chandeliers, museum-quality sculpture and artwork give this nationally ranked top restaurant quietly understated grandeur. Here, twosomes celebrate special occasions and intimate groups of well dressed (and well established) friends meet for dinner. The elegant scene sets the appropriate tone for appreciating such menu items as sea bass in a puddle of luxurious saffron-orange sauce, or roasted lamb rib eye enhanced with a richly sweet carrot fondant. Architectural pastry creations have ranged from chocolate custard cake to chestnut semifreddo.

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jdurra

Joined 11 years ago

Best food ever.. I've had a lot of good food in my time, both home-cooked and in restaurants across parts of the globe. La Belle Vie is the best meal experience I've ever had.

Every moment of it was exquisite. The service was impeccable, the wine list diverse, the food absolute perfection. We did the 5 course tasting menu, to which they added on two special "extras," and each course built perfectly on the last to create a night of food ecstasy.

Usually when I eat out, I can identify the ingredients and spices used. At La Belle Vie, they're so far beyond my knowledge that I couldn't possibly do so. Each morsel is a mingling of so many flavors, but despite that the overall effect is one of unity with all the flavors perfectly complementing each other.

Yes, it's an expensive night out for those of us who don't live the posh life. But if you can save up for it, do so. I'm planning on trying to get there at least once a year so that I can enjoy the experience on at least an annual basis.

The only con I can mention is that the space itself is a bit strange. It feels a bit like you're in someone's living room and there isn't much privacy. They could also use more small tables. When we went, there was only one group of 4 and many groups of 2. If I remember right, there wasn't a single two-person table, and the 4-person tables are quite large. So they could work on the "intimacy" of the space.

But for dining and service, there could be no improvements. It's a real gem and we're fortunate to have such a wonderful place in our midst.

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schnit

Joined 7 years ago

Was a great restaraunt, now just average.. In Stillwater it was small and cozy and service was so prompt that if you dropped your fork, they were at your table with a new one before it even hit the ground.

In Mpls most of the same staff is there, but it's much bigger and lost most of it's charm and romance. Gone are the days of prompt service and quiet personal dining. Now it is an average restaraunt filled with snoody wine snobs trying to impress business clients.

The food is still out of this world.

We went to Stillwater 4 times and loved each experience. We went to the new location once and probably will not return.

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absinthe01

Joined 9 years ago

Everything you could ever want.. My husband and I had the 8 course tasting menu and wine paring. It was a dreamlike experience. Our servers were informative, charismatic and pleasant. I had heard so many rave reviews for so many years and was delighted to finally have the opportunity to experience it myself. Words cannot explain our evening there. Please experience this for yourself.

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felipeleones

Joined 11 years ago

Best Restaurant in Minneapolis. The Day-Boat Halibut (caught and brought in the same day fresh) was exquisite. The combination of flavor on this first course was mind blowing. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. We went withe the tasting menu and paired wines. I recommend going this way. The price is better than buying a bottle and your wines will be perfectly paired with your courses. Fois Gras you ask??? The fois is a nothing short of asexual experience. Try the lamb rib eye. You'll never have a cleaner fresher tasting piece of lamb in your life.

This place is not for budget-minded people. It is expensive but if you want a very special night or you have too much money in your bank account, this is your place.

Incredible.